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Prospects and Fishing Tips

Expect average catches to weigh around 2 pounds with good numbers of 5-6 pounders available. Lake Seminole has improved over the last 10 years in its largemouth fishery, with both more and larger fish weighed in during its many tournaments. Visit the lake January through May for the best largemouth fishing.

Technique

Throw a lipless crankbait, plastic worm, spinnerbait or top water lure in and along the edges of Seminole's abundant aquatic plants.

Target

Fish for bass in the late winter and early spring in the numerous backwater areas, especially in the Flint, Spring Creek and Flint River arms. Bedding fish can be found in pockets in coves and sandy flats primarily during March and April. Grass lines will be productive throughout the warmer months (May-September), and ledges and main lake points adjacent to river channels are productive during cooler months (December-January).

Hybrid Bass and Striped Bass

Prospect

A small number of hybrid striped bass are again being stocked annually into Lake Seminole. Additionally, some fish escape every year from Walter F. George and Blackshear and find their way downstream to the reservoir. Striper abundance is fairly low, but there are some large fish available. Dedicated anglers should expect the average fish to range between 2 and 4 pounds, with the occasional hybrid reaching 5-plus pounds and the occasional striped bass reaching 10-20 pounds.

Hybrid

Striped

Technique

Best bets are to find schooling fish during warmer months in deeper water and use jigging spoons or live shad. During cooler months when water temperature is below 70 degrees (F), fish can be caught drifting or slow-trolling live shad or trolling jigs. Night fishing can be productive during the summer, but anglers should be careful of numerous standing trees and stumps left in Seminole.

Target

In the lower area of the lake (between Faceville Landing on the Flint River arm and Desser Landing on the Chattahoochee arm) target the main lake areas. From March through May, many hybrids will run up the river and can be targeted below Albany, Andrews and Walter F. George dams. Hybrids are attracted to cool water during the warmer summer months. However due to ongoing efforts to rebuild striped bass populations, fishing is closed in five springs located in Lake Seminole from May through October. For more information on these restrictions, please see the current Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

Catfish

Prospect

Channel catfishing is good on Lake Seminole, with average cats weighing 2-3 pounds, but be sure to hold out for the occasional 10-pounder or greater. There are a good and expanding number of blue catfish in the upper end of the Chattahoochee arm. Both blues and flathead present opportunities for larger (10-20 pound) fish.

Technique

Local anglers prefer prepared blood and cheese baits fished on small artificial worms. Cut shad or bream work best for larger blue catfish.

Target

Channel catfish can be found throughout the reservoir, but often are found on shallow flats adjacent to river and creek channels and off ledges adjacent to channels. Blue and flathead catfish can be found primarily in the Chattahoochee arm of Lake Seminole up to Columbia dam.

Bream

Prospect

Lake Seminole is known for, at times, spectacular redear sunfish fishing. The average redear sunfish is less than 8 inches, but fish greater than 1 pound are not uncommon. Fishing for bedding fish will produce average fish of about 1/2 pound. Bluegill fishing also can be excellent, although fish over 8 inches are rare.

Technique

Red wigglers usually work best for redear sunfish and crickets generally for bluegill, although both baits can catch either fish.

Target

Locate shallow water spawning beds during spring and early summer. Numerous backwater areas off the Chattahoochee River arm provide good catches. Spawning beds often are located on main lake shallow flats in 1 to 4 feet of water. Fish can be caught throughout the reservoir during summer months, with many anglers targeting weedline edges, weed pockets and sandy flats.

Crappie

Prospect

Though not generally recognized for its crappie fishing, Seminole has in recent year produced good catches, especially for larger-size crappie in the spring and fall.

Technique

While fish are spawning in February and March, concentrate on shallow backwater areas using minnows and jigs. During warmer months, use minnows along grass lines and areas with some sort of cover adjacent to river channels 8-20 feet deep.

Target

Target the old Flint and Chattahoochee river channels during summer, fall, and winter. During spring, fish are found throughout shallow, warmer coves and wind-protected areas as they spawn.

Additional Information

Recent chemical treatments by the US Army Corps of Engineers to the Spring Creek arm of Lake Seminole have reduced hydrilla coverage. However, drought and low-flow conditions have allowed larger than normal stands of hydrilla throughout the reservoir. Grass carp are currently being used to help control hydrilla in designated areas behind electric fish barriers. Use caution when navigating boats through these areas and report any damage to the Corps of Engineers at 229.662.2001.